Mexico Bans Roku Sales For Pirated Content

For the second time, Televisa won the court’s favor and finally made a stop to the sales of Roku in Mexico. The lawsuit pertains to the company’s earlier complain about Roku’s hacked system software. The device being used to distribute pirated content from them and other licensed distributors.

Roku is now officially banned in Mexico. Not to be sold in any commercial chain in any parts of the country. Despite its appeal to suspend the court’s order, the final decision went through last week. All sales activity of the device will be prohibited.

What is Roku?

Roku is a digital media streaming device that collects and distributes data from the internet. The device has to connect online for it to function as intended. It can connect to WI-FI or even wired internet connection via a router. The gathered digital content is then distributed to any types of television with appropriate input connections.

Roku, Inc manufacture and distributes the digital device. The sixth company founded by Anthony Atwood.

The content that it offers belongs and licensed to known legitimate cable providers or digital channels. The likes of Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, and even YouTube are its usual content. For more channels and content, you may check their site.

The Issue

Reports have revealed that some groups and individuals have found a way to hack the device. They can easily bypass the security feature of Roku. The bypass uses unpopular channels to distribute pirated movies and shows from various legal sites and provider.

These individuals charge users for a certain amount to distribute the pirated content. These individuals use WhatsApp to promote and offer their services. That is why they are not easy to track.

Eventually, it came to the attention of Cablevision. The cable company filed an order to cease sales distribution of the digital device. To minimize if not eradicate the illegal practice entirely.

Roku filed a motion to the court to reconsider and suspend the ruling. But Televisa was not about to let the practice continue. Despite the back and forth for quite some time, Televisa finally won the case.

Cablevision clarified that the lawsuit targets the illegal activities done with Roku devices. The cable company is well aware of Roku’s policy against piracy.

The only problem is that their system software is too easy for hackers to manipulate. That is the reason why the order was about the banning of the digital device and not penalizing Roku.

Roku’s Statement

Steve Kay, General Counsel for Roku, stated that the company does not agree with the court’s decision. Therefore, they will still find ways to continue their legal efforts to provide their services in Mexico. Also, they are confident that the ruling will not have an immediate effect on the market and its potential customers.

“Today’s decision is not the final word in this complex legal matter, and it is not expected to prevent consumers from purchasing Roku products in Mexico at this time,” said Steve Kay. Roku is still available in the market and other distributing outlets like Amazon and Best Buy.

Rene Manguerra is a computer engineer by trade but spends most of his time writing and reviewing latest smartphones and gadgets in the market as well as other computer-related stuff. He writes professionally for technology news websites for the past few years.

TechnoPOW.com is a dedicated media company that focuses on Technology and its effects in every individual's way of life. Founded by the creators of Team ENA, TechnoPOW.com is here to provide readers the latest news and updates in the Tech and Gaming Industry.